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Perk up your mood and energy with light therapy

Light has always had a powerful effect over human life. You are probably well aware of the important role sunlight plays in bone and heart health, autoimmune diseases and cancer. But did you know that –besides sunlight, artificial light can also be used as a form of wellness therapy? It appears that artificial light affects brain chemicals linked to mood and dementia.

According to Science Daily, this light keeps your biological clock synchronized to the 24-hour day/night cycle, stimulates alertness and reduces sleepiness..Although the exact ways in which light benefits your health have been relatively unknown, within the last decade, researchers have discovered a light-sensitive cell called melanopsin. This light receptor is responsible for many non-visual functions in your brain, showing that light affects much more than your vision. In the absence of melanopsin, many things become disrupted, such as our biological clock.

Can you direct light to your brain?

Yes. You can harness and direct light to photosensitive areas of the brain by using the Valkee -- an effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including the “winter blues,” low cognitive performance, acute anxiety and insomnia.

What is the Valkee and what does it do?

The Valkee is a small, sleek, portable device, much like an iPod, with attached ear buds. When you slip the ear buds into your ears, Valkee sends light signals to your brain. These bright light signals head directly for photosensitive brain areas through the ear canal. According to Valkee researchers, the light is converted by photoreceptors, which activate the brain’s natural response to light.

The Valkee has been proven to:

Improve cognitive performance: A study was conducted in which 41 college students were divided into two groups. One group received trans-cranial bright light therapy and the other group did not. A statistical difference was found in the light therapy group with their attention greatly improving.

Improve motor reaction time: A study was conducted with a Finnish ice hockey team, and after several 12-minute doses of light treatment, their motor reaction time improved.

Reduce acute anxiety symptoms: a study was conducted in which two groups were created. One group received 12 minutes of trans-cranial bright light therapy, and one group did not (placebo group). The group that received the light therapy experienced a significant decrease in symptoms of anxiety.

Alleviate the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder: According to Valkee researchers, study participants saw a 50% reduction in their symptoms after several doses of light treatment.

What is seasonal affective disorder (SAD)?

SAD is caused by a lack of adequate exposure to the sun. People who suffer from SAD typically experience depressive symptoms, a need for excess sleep, excessive fatigue, cravings for carbohydrates and weight gain. SAD usually occurs during the winter months, but can occur during warmer seasons as well.

Many people suffer from SAD without even knowing it. Valkee has been clinically tested and was originally developed specifically as a treatment for SAD.

Pick up your own Valkee from pH Labs to integrate bright light therapy into your health routine. Note, though, that light therapy may cause mania in some people with bipolar disorder.

Enjoy Your Healthy Life!

The pH professional health care team includes recognized experts from a variety of health care and related disciplines, including physicians, attorneys, nutritionists, nurses and certified fitness instructors. This team also includes the members of the pH Medical Advisory Board, which constantly monitors all pH programs, products and services. To learn more about the pH Medical Advisory Board, click here.